He Came into Enemy Territory

By Al Behel
 
“...while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God” (Romans 5:10) 

   It was shortly before Christmas during World War I. The fighting was fierce between German troops and American soldiers. Finally, a German soldier emerged from his trench and advanced toward the American line only to be hit and severely wounded by American fire. He tried to crawl back to safety but was caught in barbed wire. As his moaning pierced the air, an American soldier climbed out of his trench and inched his way across the open space toward the injured man.
    When both commanders saw what was happening they ordered their troops to cease fire. There was an eerie silence as the American solder freed the German, picked him up and carried him to the waiting arms of his comrades. Both sides held fire until he returned to the American lines.
    In a real sense our Savior came into enemy territory to rescue us from the ravages of war. We were prisoners to the greatest enemy on earth. We were entrapped and could not free ourselves. We faced certain death. At the right time, He left the safety of heaven and came to us. He knew we were doomed without help. He picked us up and carried us to the waiting arms of our Heavenly Father.
    When the forces of darkness seemed to cut him down there was no silence. The earth shook, the earth was dark for three hours, and tombs were opened. For three days the commander of enemy forces seemed to have won, but God lifted him up. His mission was complete. And we are set free. Therefore, we celebrate in praise to our Deliver.

- Al Behel served the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN, for many years prior to this death in April 2022. The congregation may be contacted through their website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/